Gophers first to offer junior Billy Hirschfeld

The first offer for 2014 defensive end Billy Hirschfeld (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead) ended up coming while he was on the basketball court.

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound lineman picked up offer No. 1 Wednesday while at basketball practice. The offer came from Minnesota.

"It felt great. I got the news from my position coach Peter Kishline after b-ball practice so my friends overheard what he told me so they got excited for me and so did my b-ball coaches," Hirschfeld said.

The excitement did not stop at basketball practice either as Hirschfeld went right home to tell his parents.

"They are overjoyed to hear that I got an offer," he said. "It just feels good to know that all my hard work in the weight room and on the football field paid off."

Hirschfeld has been to Minnesota a few times, back in the summer for an AAU tournament and a few games this season.